Ford Launches Production at New Hangzhou Assembly Plant

New Ford Edge, the first vehicle being manufactured at the Hangzhou plant

Ford is looking to increase its presence in China, and it took yet another step in its quest to become among the country’s elite brands by opening its sixth assembly plant in Hangzhou. The addition of the $760 million Changan Ford Hangzhou Plant will increase Ford’s annual output in China by an additional 250,000 units and will be a fundamental component in the automaker’s goal to increase global sales by 45-55% by 2020 to 9.4 million units.

“This world-class facility will help us accelerate the delivery of high-quality, innovative products to our customers in China,” said Mark Fields, Ford president and CEO. “The new 3-row Edge demonstrates Ford’s commitment to producing quality, safe, fuel-efficient and smart vehicles.”

2015 Ford Edge, the first vehicle being manufactured at the Hangzhou plant

With production kicking off at the Changan Ford Hangzhou Plant, Ford’s production tally in China rises to 1.4 million vehicles annually. The plant will use the latest in manufacturing technology to produce one new Ford vehicle every 72 seconds.

The all-new Ford Edge will be the first product to be manufactured in Hangzhou, and it represents one of the 15 new products that Ford intends to introduce in China by the end of the year.